How George Pickens could have a 'massive opportunity' that would hurt the Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys elected not to sign George Pickens to a long-term contract extension this offseason, instead franchise tagging him at a $27.3 million mark.

But looking at next offseason, the Cowboys will either have to sign him to a long-term deal or franchise tag him for a massive $32 million-plus one-year contract.

ESPN's Bill Barnwell doesn't believe the Cowboys will have interest in such a lofty one-year deal. If so, Pickens has a massive opportunity in 2026 to have another big season and hit free agency to land a massive new deal.

George Pickens has a 'massive opportunity' in 2026 season for a major payday

"The Cowboys spent heavily to fix their defense this offseason, and they might not be interested in a second franchise tag for Pickens in 2027, which would cost more than $32 million," Barnwell writes. "Hitting unrestricted free agency as a 26-year-old wide receiver could be a massive opportunity for Pickens, who would potentially be the best player available."

Players like Pickens, in the prime of their careers at a premium position like wide receiver, rarely make it to free agency. If he did hit the open market at his age and after a big 2026 season, then Pickens could land a massive contract.

Plenty of teams around the NFL would surely offer a deal well north of $32 million per-year for Pickens if he repeats his 2025 production in 2026.

After catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, Pickens has shown elite potential that any contending team would love to invest in.

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A team like the Las Vegas Raiders would surely be willing to invest serious money in Pickens. That could be a huge problem for the Cowboys, while being a great opportunity that Pickens cannot miss.

It would be hard to imagine the Cowboys and Jerry Jones would let Pickens walk for nothing, as the best they could get back is a third-round compensatory pick.

But Barnwell believes there's a chance the Cowboys let Pickens hit the open market, which would be a colossal mistake by Jones and the team, but a great chance for Pickens to land a massive new deal on the open market.

Pickens has a lot on the line this upcoming season, as another big year could lead to him earning a significant multi-year contract, regardless of whether it's from Dallas or a new team.

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